Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Oleander safe for dogs?
Nerium oleander
Oleander is a highly toxic evergreen shrub known for its showy flowers and extreme sensitivity to ingestion. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides that can cause severe health complications in pets.
Nerium oleanderOleanderRose Bay
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Oleander is potentially deadly to dogs in any quantity. Every part of the plant is loaded with cardiac glycosides (oleandrin) that interfere with heart-muscle electrolyte balance, and exposure can produce severe cardiac signs after surprisingly small ingestions.
What to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are typically first. As the toxin reaches the heart, expect weakness, an irregular heartbeat (bradycardia, tachycardia, or other arrhythmias), and possible collapse. Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) is a known complication.
Time window
Clinical signs typically begin within the first 2 hours of exposure and may persist for 4-5 days even with treatment.
When to call the vet
Treat any suspected ingestion as an emergency — call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. Don't wait for cardiac signs, which can follow GI signs after a delay.
First aid at home
Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth, save a sample for the vet, and head to a clinic now. Do not induce vomiting at home — Pet Poison Helpline specifically warns against unsupervised home emesis, and over-the-counter activated charcoal is not a substitute for veterinary decontamination.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, irregular heartbeat, lethargy, and potential collapse.
Escalation note
This plant is extremely dangerous to dogs; even small amounts can be fatal. Contact a veterinarian or emergency animal poison control immediately.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Oleander contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Nerium oleander is a poisonous plant that should be kept away from pets and children.
Questions about Oleander
Is oleander toxic to dogs?
Yes, oleander (Nerium oleander) is extremely toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, and even small amounts can be fatal. It is classified as a high-severity poison — any suspected ingestion is a veterinary emergency.
What are the symptoms of oleander poisoning in dogs?
Early signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, typically appearing within 2 hours of ingestion. As the cardiac glycosides take effect, dogs can develop weakness, an irregular heartbeat (bradycardia, tachycardia, or other arrhythmias), and potential collapse. Hyperkalemia (elevated blood potassium) is a known complication, and symptoms may persist for 4–5 days even with treatment.
What should I do if my dog ate oleander?
Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth, save a sample for the vet, and go to an emergency clinic immediately. Do not induce vomiting at home — this is specifically warned against for oleander ingestion — and do not use over-the-counter activated charcoal as a substitute for veterinary decontamination. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 on the way.
How quickly does oleander poisoning progress in dogs?
Clinical signs typically begin within the first 2 hours of ingestion. GI symptoms (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea) usually appear before cardiac signs, so an apparently stable dog can deteriorate — do not wait for heart symptoms before seeking emergency care.
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